Shameless self-promotion. Make sure to listen to me on Ty and Dan’s great podcast, the Solid Verbal.
– Dana Holgorsen gets himself removed from West Virginia casino and must apologize. Although it’s arguable that he should apologize simply for being a patron of such a fine establishment, it appears that the casino stopped serving Dana — who accompanied by other West Virginia “officials” — drinks, and he had to be escorted out. Obviously this is not exactly news except in the offseason, but it’s an important lesson: with greater power and prestige (and money) comes greater responsibility. When you’re the inside receivers coach you can probably damn well do whatever you want, especially at offbeat places like Lubbock, Texas. If you’re the coach-in-waiting at almost any BCS school, the scrutiny is that much higher; it’s a trade-off. I think Dana will learn from this and learn to fly under the radar, but he better hope that the security tape doesn’t emerge.
– Oversign this. Blutarsky chimes in on Mike Slive’s new oversigning principle:
The Athens Banner-Herald has learned that proposed legislation to be considered at the SEC meeting to address “roster management” includes:
Limiting the size of a football signing class in each academic year to 25, down from the current level of 28. The NCAA adopted that SEC-sponsored legislation put forward in 2009. The 25 limit would cover those who sign from Dec. 1 to August 1. The rule now runs from the February signing day to May 31, which allows schools to exceed 28 by enrolling signees before or after those dates. An exception would be made for mid-year enrollees included in the current academic year’s initial counters. . . .
There currently are no limits on how many can attend summer school, which can leave a recruit already on campus to be asked to delay enrollment until January if there’s no room. The proposal would go into effect in summer 2012.
Giving the SEC office more oversight in medical scholarship exemptions to review and determine outcome for cases. A team doctor, trainer and athletic director would need to sign off on each case.
Keeping early enrollees from signing an SEC financial aid agreement until they are enrolled and attend class at the school. Currently, recruits can begin to sign a financial aid agreement after their junior year of high school, which keeps other SEC schools from recruiting them.
That’s… interesting. I expect most SEC coaches will go ballistic over the first item there. I wouldn’t anticipate as much opposition to the other three, although I think most of us can easily speculate on those who would be unhappy with their implementation.
Honestly, I give Slive a lot of credit with these. It’s clear his intent is to restrict certain tactics which allow coaches to limit recruits’ options. Of course, the devil’s in the details; never underestimate the ability of an SEC football coach to find the weak spot in a rule which can be exploited. But, overall, I like what I see.
Also see Brian Cook on the subject.
– Linebacker play. Shakin the Southland dropping knowledge:
For two-gapping, the LB cannot just shuffle. He must attack his away gap directly. He steps laterally once, then crosses over and charges that gap. If the MLB above is 2-gapping, he jumps into the weak A gap immediately. He must be aware that the Center can come off the scoop block or that a Guard may be coming off a double-team block to hit him and seal off the backside. If the away gap is open, he takes it. If its closed (like a toss sweep outside), he shuffles around to the first gap that is open.
– Study Hall Toolbox: Adjusted Pace.
– Spencer Hall on South Carolina:
This is when it gets queasy, South Carolina. You were fun as a startup, especially when we knew there would be other, more reputable teams to bail you out down the stretch.
Now we are in a different market completely, especially if we limit this to the SEC East. Blue-chip Florida stands somewhere between insolvency and its next peak under Will Muschamp. Georgia appears to be in full Tuberville Syndrome Phase* with Mark Richt putting everything on his quarterback, a defense that may or may not congeal into a dependable unit, and a group of incoming freshmen who, like prospective investments overseas, look good on paper but have not been seen by the oversight committee. Tennessee is still in Chapter 8 bankruptcy and is under new management following the disastrous overthrow of former CEO Phil Fulmer and the brief but interesting reign of brash young tycoon Lane Kiffin. (New management is promising, but investors are still skittish.)
The once-bankable SEC East now has few dependable firms, which brings us to you, South Carolina.
– I disagree — Slate argues against the em dash.